The mines department has invited bids for issuing 14 sand mining lease blocks in Sirohi and Bhilwara districts. Bidding for these leases will take place online on March 27 and 28, and they will be granted for a period of five years.
Previously, the department had proposed auctions for 22 blocks in Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Nagaur, and other districts, but these were recently stayed by the Rajasthan High Court.As per the bid document issued by mines department, these lease blocks will be allocated in seven revenue villages of Bhilwara and seven villages of Sirohi, ranging from 66 to 99 hectare.
An official said, “Efforts have been initiated to prevent a sand crisis in the state. Failure to issue new leases may lead to a crisis beginning in May-June as many of the current leases are nearing expiration.”
Currently, 45 blocks are operational in the state. However, mining will cease in 25 blocks by June 2024 due to the expiration of their leases. Mining in Tonk is presently halted, and Jaipur’s sand supply is primarily sourced from Tonk.